Have you ever had one of those evenings where you’re just done?
Like, you’ve stared at the fridge, opened a few cabinets, and still thought,
“I want something delicious… but I don’t want to spend forever cooking it.”
That’s where this Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta comes in to save your night. 🍝💖
It’s warm, cozy, just a little fancy, and incredibly easy to make.
Perfect for date night, solo dinners, or feeding your whole family without breaking a sweat.
🥄 Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
Let’s be honest, we all need a go-to pasta dish that feels gourmet but is secretly super simple.
Here’s why this one should be your new favorite:
- 30 minutes start to finish (yes, really!)
- Uses basic pantry staples
- One pot = less cleanup
- Has that rich, creamy texture with just the right amount of tomato tang
- Bursting with the fresh flavor of basil
- Easily adaptable for vegans or picky eaters
You know those “bookmark it forever” kind of recipes? This is it.
🛒 Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This is a no-fancy-stuff-needed situation.
Grab these from your pantry and fridge:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or whatever you love)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional but adds a lovely kick)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, but yum)
- 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
🔪 Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need a gourmet kitchen—just the basics:
- A pot for boiling pasta
- A large sauté pan or skillet
- A knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A wooden spoon or spatula
That’s it. Minimal mess, maximum flavor.
⏱️ Cook Time Breakdown
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 5 mins |
| Cooking | 25 mins |
| Total Time | 30 mins |
Fast enough for a weeknight. Delicious enough for the weekend.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make it super easy to follow—even if you’re new to cooking.
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook your pasta until al dente (follow package directions).
Drain, but save about ½ cup of pasta water — trust me, it helps later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells amazing—don’t let it burn!
Step 3: Add the Crushed Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir.
Let it simmer gently for about 8–10 minutes.
This helps the tomato flavor deepen and get a bit sweeter.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the cream.
Mix until the sauce turns a beautiful light orange color.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add Pasta + Basil
Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat each piece with that creamy tomato sauce.
Now, add the chopped basil and stir gently so the herbs release their aroma.
Step 6: Finish With Cheese
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese if using.
The heat from the pasta melts it beautifully into the sauce.
🍽️ How
to Serve It
This pasta is a meal in itself—but if you want to round it out:
- 🍞 Serve with crusty garlic bread
- 🥗 Add a fresh green salad on the side
- 🍷 Pour yourself a glass of white wine (or sparkling water if you’re feeling fancy)
Want more protein?
Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted chickpeas!
💡 Tips, Swaps & Variations
You know we love options around here. So let’s make this pasta your own:
- Make it vegan: Use coconut cream + skip the parmesan or sub vegan cheese
- Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work beautifully
- Spice it up: Extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce = 🔥
- No basil? Sub parsley or a little dried Italian seasoning
- Too thick? Use a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce
❤️ Final Thoughts
This creamy basil tomato pasta is like the best kind of love story:
Simple. Warm. Familiar. But unforgettable. 💫
It’s proof that you don’t need a 5-star kitchen or a long grocery list to cook something incredible.
Just a few ingredients, a little love, and a recipe like this to guide you.
So next time you’re hungry, tired, or craving something special—give this pasta a try.
Your tastebuds will thank you.
